香港醫藥援助會 Project Concern Hong Kong


Sensitive Teeth

Cause of sensitive teeth:

Sensitive teeth are mainly caused by exposed dentine. Causes of expored dentine are including the follows:

  • Use of toothbrush with bristles that are too hard, or brushing with excessive force.
  • Frequent consumption of highly acidic food or beverages.
  • Habitual grinding of teeth (bruxism).
  • Gum disease of aging leading to gum recession.
  • The cementum covering the root is removed after receiving treatment of root planning.

Management:
  • According to the oral condition, dentist may apply topical fluoride varnish or perform filling on the affected tooth surface.
  • The dentist may construct a "mouth guard" to prevemt further wear off of teeth from habitual grinding.
  • Use of desensitizing toothpaste to relieve tooth sensitivity.  You should consult your dentist before purchasing or using this type of toothpaste.

Prevention:
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Brush with a gentle force.
  • Aviod frequent intake of highly acidic food or beverages.  Intake of fruit juice, sports drinks, soft drinks, yogurt, red wine, white wine, etc., should be reduced to aviod acidic attack.
  • Aviod biting on hard food.
  • Sufficient sleep and exercise.  It helps to relieve stress and aviod bruxism (teeth grinding).


Reference: Oral Health Education Division